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Education Otherwise

@educationotherwise.bsky.social
92 followers 36 following 55 posts

The UK’s foremost home education charity. 📞 0300 1245690 (free helpline) 🌍 www.educationotherwise.org 📧 enquiries@educationotherwise.org

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Education Otherwise @educationotherwise.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
Education Otherwise is the home education charity, offering support and guidance to home educating families and working tirelessly to protect the freedoms of home educators. If you have a home education related enquiry and need help call our helpline - 0300 124 5690. 10am and 6pm, Monday to Friday
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Education Otherwise @educationotherwise.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
Continuing to celebrate 50 years of Education Otherwise supporting home educators with more from our archive. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 #homeeducation #educationotherwise
"The Harrison family has also hit the headlines again since their LEA gave them an ultimatum to prove that their children are being suitably educated at home. THE DAILY TELEGRAPH (30 April) carried a sympathetic account of their daily life, "I left thinking (that the fact that) they were... coping with everyday problems rather than
illusory ones is of prime importance." NEW SOCIETY (3 May) commenting on both the Taylor and Harrison cases said, "The tentacles of the interventionist state are.... increasingly intervening in the private sphere" 
From our achive newsletter June 1979
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Education Otherwise @educationotherwise.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
Continuing to celebrate 50 years of Education Otherwise supporting home educators with a glimpse at EO in the 1990s and 2000s. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 #homeeducation #educationotherwise
Little changed during the 1990s, apart from crop tops, babydoll dresses over leggings and coloured jeans, but Education Otherwise continued to spread the word.

In the early 2000s most homes had computers and Education Otherwise was able to spread its message more widely.
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Education Otherwise @educationotherwise.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
Continuing to celebrate 50 years of Education Otherwise supporting home educators with another snippet from our archives. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 #homeeducation #educationotherwise
"Ben (9) and Jessica (8) were de-schooled in
December, 1975.

The local primary school, although well meaning was rapidly eroding the children's imagination and enthusiasm for anything other than competitive, materialistic standards. The LEA were informed courteously in advance and, although not approving, agreed that we were within our rights to deschool.
From our achive newsletter December 1976
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Education Otherwise @educationotherwise.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
Celebrating 50 years of Education Otherwise! Here is a taste of home education in the 1980s #homeeducation #educationotherwise
Celebrating 50 years of Education Otherwise! 
Did you know... 
In the 1980's Basic computers cost thousands of pounds, so we had no access to the internet. Books came mainly from the library, children were calculating on slide rules and hoping for a Swatch watch for Christmas.
Meanwhile, home educating families contacted each other though the Education Otherwise member list.
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Education Otherwise @educationotherwise.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
Continuing to celebrate 50 years of Education Otherwise supporting home educators with something from our archives from the 1970s. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 #homeeducation #educationotherwise
Graphic of text that says "Education Otherwise is 50!! Here is a snippet from when we first began.. "It is extraordinary how many people express a strong interest in deschooling when they hear about it, but how very few there are who are actually doing it. This suggests that the network is really needed to give that little bit of support and advice that will help people over the hump." 
From our Archive newsletter December 1976
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Education Otherwise @educationotherwise.bsky.social · 21/06/2026
Continuing to celebrate 50 years of Education Otherwise supporting home educators with a glimpse at EO in the 1970s. Join us on our Facebook group for help www.facebook.com/groups/Educa... #homeschooling #homeed #homeducation #homeschool #learning #education #homeeducationuk #educationotherwise
Did you know...
In 1976, a small group of pioneering home educators, sat around a
table and formed ‘Education Otherwise’. 

Then, BBC TV Open Door broadcast a programme about Education
Otherwise, numbers rose to around 250.
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Education Otherwise @educationotherwise.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
Our Facebook group has hit 20,000 members! Come join us for support for and information about home education. www.facebook.com/groups/Educa... #homeschooling #homeed #homeducation #homeschool #charity #learning #education #homeeducationuk #educationotherwise
We hit 20,000 group members. Thank you!
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Education Otherwise @educationotherwise.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
Celebrating 50 years of supporting and advising the home education community! Here is to 50 more! Join us on our Facebook group for help. www.facebook.com/groups/Educa... #homeschooling #homeed #homeducation #homeschool #learning #education #homeeducationuk #educationotherwise
Celebrating 50 years of Education Otherwise! Did you know...  
In 1976, when ‘Saturday Night Fever’ led the fashion trend for shiny white suits and the Commodore PET was forging the way for the launch of the Commodore 64, a small group of pioneering home educators, sat around a table and formed ‘Education Otherwise’.
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Education Otherwise @educationotherwise.bsky.social · 06/06/2026
Education Otherwise is 50!! Here is a snippet from when we first began... www.educationotherwise.org #homeschooling #homeed #homeducation #homeschool #learning #education #homeeducationuk #educationotherwise
Education Otherwise is 50!! Here is a snippet from when we first began...
"... 17th-18th September 1976 was the third effort made to get a national network started. The first two provided little tangible result. The main difficulty has been simply to find sufficient families actually doing
it, instead of just thinking about it... " 
From our achive newsletter December 1976
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Education Otherwise @educationotherwise.bsky.social · 22/05/2026
Aptitude is the child's potential. Which is what the child can achieve with the correct education. Ability is what the child can do now. Education Otherwise www.educationotherwise.org #homeschooling #homeed #homeducation #homeschool #learning #education #homeeducationuk #educationotherwise
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Education Otherwise @educationotherwise.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
We have factsheets on our website if you need help with deregistering, dealing with your local authority, child benefits post-16 or parental disagreements. www.educationotherwise.org/resources/fa...
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Education Otherwise @educationotherwise.bsky.social · 07/05/2026
Starting Out Education must legally be suitable from the first day. However the law does recognise that things may take a while to settle into a routine.
Starting Out
Education must legally be suitable from the first day. However, the law does recognise that things may take a while to settle into a routine.  
This does not mean that a parent can have a period of no education, what it means is that the local authority should recognise that education may change significantly in the early stages.
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Education Otherwise @educationotherwise.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill received Royal Assent on April 29th 2026. Whilst the legislation has been passed, the measures are NOT yet in force. To help you navigate this transition, we have updated guidance from the DfE: www.educationotherwise.org/childrens-we...
The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill received Royal Assent on April 29th 2026. 
Whilst the legislation has been passed, the measures are NOT yet in force. To help you navigate this transition we have updated guidance from the DfE. 
Please read the full guidance here: educationotherwise.org
Useful links-news
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Education Otherwise @educationotherwise.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
The latest on the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill: www.educationotherwise.org/childrens-we...
educationotherwise.org
Children's WellBeing and Schools Bill Update: Royal Assent, NOT yet in Force - Education Otherwise
The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill received Royal Assent on April 29th 2026. Whilst the legislation has been passed, the measures are NOT yet in force. To help you navigate this transition we h...
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Education Otherwise @educationotherwise.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
Come Along. Join us for information and chat on our private Facebook group. www.facebook.com/groups/Educa... Education Otherwise #homeschooling #homeed #homeducation #homeschool #charity #learning #education #homeeducationuk #educationotherwise
Come Along. 

Join us for information and chat on our private Facebook group. 
Education Otherwise
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Education Otherwise @educationotherwise.bsky.social · 20/04/2026
Read our latest blog post: Ten Ways Your Child Can Learn From Animals 🐕🐈 🐹 Here are some easy ideas on how to learn from your animals. www.educationotherwise.org/ten-ways-you... #homeschooling #homeed #homeducation #homeschool #charity #learning #education #homeeducationuk #educationotherwise
educationotherwise.org
Ten Ways Your Child Can Learn From Animals   - Education Otherwise
by Vicki N       We are a family which has always had animals, namely dogs and cats. In the past few years, we have expanded that to include sheep, a pig and chickens.     Here are some easy ideas on ...
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Education Otherwise @educationotherwise.bsky.social · 07/04/2026
Release the writer in you! Wanted - blog posts for Education Otherwise's website and Facebook pages. www.facebook.com/educationoth... www.educationotherwise.org #homeschooling #homeed #homeducation #homeschool #charity #learning #education #homeeducationuk #educationotherwise
Release the writer in you!
We are looking for people to write a blog to be shared on our public website and Facebook pages. 
If you would be happy to wite about your experiences with some of the blow topics (or your own choice) then please email your blog to Marketing@educationotherwise.org

Examples: 
Our home education journey through the primary years
Home education: the teen years
Applying to university as a home educated student
Our deregistration journey

We cannot guarantee that your blog will be posted. Writers age 18+ only please.
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Education Otherwise @educationotherwise.bsky.social · 06/04/2026
Read our latest blog: Project Based Learning: A Fresh Approach for Home Educating Families www.educationotherwise.org/project-base... #homeschooling #homeed #homeducation #homeschool #charity #learning #education #homeeducationuk #educationotherwise
educationotherwise.org
Project Based Learning: A Fresh Approach for Home Educating Families - Education Otherwise
Move beyond "school at home." Discover how Project-Based Learning empowers home-educated children to build curiosity, confidence and real-world skills.
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World Book Day UK @worldbookdayuk.bsky.social · 30/01/2026
Go All In on your creativity in the Design a National Book Tokens competition! 🖊️ To celebrate World Book Day and the UK’s National Year of Reading 2026, children of all ages are invited to design a National Book Token.
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Education Otherwise @educationotherwise.bsky.social · 10/03/2026
Education Otherwise is the home education charity, offering support and guidance to home educating families and working tirelessly to protect the freedoms of home educators. If you have a home education related enquiry and need help call our helpline - 0300 124 5690. 10am and 6pm, Monday to Friday
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Education Otherwise @educationotherwise.bsky.social · 05/03/2026
Who are Education Otherwise? Education Otherwise is the national home education charity for England and Wales. www.educationotherwise.org #homeeducationuk #homeschooling #homeed #homeducation #homeschool #charity #learning #education #educationotherwise
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Education Otherwise @educationotherwise.bsky.social · 04/03/2026
Book your tickets now! Education Otherwise 50th Anniversary Fun Day Celebrating 50 years of supporting home education, a fun, inclusive day for the whole family! 📅 July 9th 2026 | 📍 Icknield Street, Birmingham, B48 7EH | 🏕️ Camping available on-site www.educationotherwise.org/education-ot...
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Education Otherwise @educationotherwise.bsky.social · 02/03/2026
The first Thursday in March is World Book Day in the UK and Ireland. See this years books - www.worldbookday.com/books/ Home educators, get your digital book tokens here: www.worldbookday.com/books-and-to... #homeeducation #educationotherwise #worldbookday2026
worldbookday.com
Digital Tokens
Get your 2026 Digital Book Tokens for World Book Day! Use them to buy books or save on full-price purchases.
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Education Otherwise @educationotherwise.bsky.social · 26/02/2026
Did you know? Home Educated children do not have to follow the National Curriculum, Times Tables or produce formal work. #homeschooling #homeed #homeducation #homeschool #charity #learning #education #homeeducationuk
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Education Otherwise @educationotherwise.bsky.social · 14/01/2026
Did you start home education during 2025? If so, please could you answer this anonymous, small two-question survey (plus a text box if you want to add more). It is to ensure that we have accurate information to deflect the inaccurate. Help us to help you! www.surveymonkey.com/r/PQCLPFZ
surveymonkey.com
New to home education in the last year
Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.
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Education Otherwise @educationotherwise.bsky.social · 01/01/2026
Happy New Year, from Education Otherwise Wishing you all a new year full of magical learning moments. Thank you to all our wonderful volunteers for the support they have given in 2025 to home educators. #homeeducation #homeed #newyear #happynewyear
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Education Otherwise @educationotherwise.bsky.social · 20/07/2025
In-person trustee meeting yesterday in the sunshine ☀️ It was lovely to be able to say thank you in person to the volunteers who enable EO to run so smoothly 😁 #EducationOtherwise
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Wendy Charles-Warner @wendycharleswarner.bsky.social · 20/03/2025
Peer support is great but it does not offer confidentiality, insured services and the ability to know that information is correct. How much d those things mean to you? For me, confidentiality is crucial as from that comes trust. #EducationOtherwise
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Rebecca Silverwood @beccasilverwood.bsky.social · 13/07/2025
I had another read through of ‘Education Otherwise: Fifty Years of Home Education’ this weekend. A great reminder of why we do it, and why protecting home education is so important. #EducationOtherwise #ElectiveHomeEducation
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Wendy Charles-Warner @wendycharleswarner.bsky.social · 16/05/2025
Every child deserves unconditional support; never take away their firsts, no matter how long ago we experienced them ourselves as each one is part of wonder. Home education putting children at the centre, the future is heirs. #EducationOtherwise
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Education Otherwise @educationotherwise.bsky.social · 09/05/2025
Please sign and share ✍️ petition.parliament.uk/petitions/71...
petition.parliament.uk
Petition: Remove CWS Bill clauses and provide tangible support to home educating parents
We urge the Government to remove the provisions of the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill on "children not in school", conduct proper independent research into the outcomes of home educated childre...
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Rebecca Silverwood @beccasilverwood.bsky.social · 09/05/2025
Why is this the best petition to sign regarding the clauses in the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill that will affect home educating families? It is detailed and nuanced and gets to the crux of the issue. There are some things in the Bill that are actually good after all … but not these 🤦🏻‍♀️
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Education Otherwise @educationotherwise.bsky.social · 09/05/2025
Please sign and share ✍️ petition.parliament.uk/petitions/71...
petition.parliament.uk
Petition: Remove CWS Bill clauses and provide tangible support to home educating parents
We urge the Government to remove the provisions of the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill on "children not in school", conduct proper independent research into the outcomes of home educated childre...
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Wendy Charles-Warner @wendycharleswarner.bsky.social · 14/04/2025
What subjects are most important to home educating families? Happiness, independence, compassion, empathy and being the best self the child can be. Home education grows beautiful children. #EducationOtherwise
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Wendy Charles-Warner @wendycharleswarner.bsky.social · 16/03/2025
Can schools provide individualised education to a child? Of course not as, even the best teacher delivers set material to groups. The law asks far more of parents; home education, individualising education to each child's age, ability, aptitude and special needs. #EducationOtherwise
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Education Otherwise @educationotherwise.bsky.social · 20/03/2025
That’s exactly why we are here as a charity. For home educating families; now and in the future.
here.charity
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Wendy Charles-Warner @wendycharleswarner.bsky.social · 08/03/2025
Today I saw images of smiling parents and children heading off to rallies against the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill. They won't change this Government's view but every single, politically aware child there is demonstrating just how well home education works. #EducationOtherwise
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Rebecca Silverwood @beccasilverwood.bsky.social · 02/03/2025
I’d like the DfE to explain how they will protect domestic violence victims when ex partners make malicious allegations. This bill would give those who seek to bully and intimidate a much greater result as they could (very easily) hinder successful home education.
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Education Otherwise @educationotherwise.bsky.social · 02/03/2025
Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill Are you clear on what the Bill means and how it would work if enacted? Do you know how it could affect you? If you could ask Bridgette Phillipson to explain something, what would it be? #EducationOtherwise
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Wendy Charles-Warner @wendycharleswarner.bsky.social · 17/02/2025
Ask 50 groups of children to stand in a field, with one home educated group, lead me in blindfolded, I can pick out the home educated group. How? They're the ones politely asking about the world around them without any minor shoving or bickering...no peer pressure to conform. #EducationOtherwise
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Wendy Charles-Warner @wendycharleswarner.bsky.social · 17/02/2025
No scratchy shirt, no tie or stiff shoes, it's okay to learn in your big cosy all in one fluffy. No 7am start, no trek in bad weather, it's okay to learn at times which work for you. That's home education! #EducationOtherwise
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Wendy Charles-Warner @wendycharleswarner.bsky.social · 16/02/2025
This current Government Children's Wellbeing and schools Bill had numerous amendments proposed. Every single one of consequence was voted down in committee by its majority members under whip from their 'leader'. A vote which is not a free vote is hardly democratic. #EducationOtherwise
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Wendy Charles-Warner @wendycharleswarner.bsky.social · 16/02/2025
Imagine if every child could learn at their own pace with no rush to finish, no pressure to do a set topic finished and if interest is lost, children could move on to the next thing. Happy children would result. Home educators do not ned to imagine, it's what they do. #EducationOtherwise
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Wendy Charles-Warner @wendycharleswarner.bsky.social · 06/02/2025
Today, I was reminded of how disempowered children often feel because adults do not trust them to make good decisions. Home education is about trusting the child and trusting ourselves to know what is right for the child. Trust builds self motivation, independence and love. #EducationOtherwise
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Wendy Charles-Warner @wendycharleswarner.bsky.social · 07/02/2025
It takes a 'village' to raise a child. When parents come to home education they very often find that 'village' in the community of like minded people. It has been that way since Education Otherwise started in 1976. Join our village an educationotherwise.org #EducationOtherwise
educationotherwise.org
Education Otherwise - | Education is Compulsory - School is Optional
Our aim is to support and promote parents’ rights to provide their children with the best education for each of them, as individuals.
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Education Otherwise @educationotherwise.bsky.social · 01/02/2025
Education Otherwise brings families together. #EducationOtherwise #HomeEducation
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Dr. Fé Mukwamba-Sendall @maimhambo.bsky.social · 31/01/2025
Children's Wellbeing & Schools Bill: #EducationOtherwise the voice of calm #HomeEducation
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Wendy Charles-Warner @wendycharleswarner.bsky.social · 31/01/2025
Would I home educate my youngest grandchild? Certainly I would if it was the right education for him as an individual. would I send him to school? Certainly I would if it was the right education for him as an individual. That is the crux, every parent should have real choice. #EducationOtherwise
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Education Otherwise @educationotherwise.bsky.social · 31/01/2025
Don’t panic. There’s a long way to go! #EducationOtherwise #HomeEducation
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